Duchess Kate Strikes A Pose During Evelina London Creative Workshop Visit

The Duchess of Cambridge stepped out in London this morning to join a creative workshop run by the National Portrait Gallery’s Hospital Programme at Evelina London Children's Hospital to see how the creative arts can support children’s health and wellbeing. 

The Duchess was presented with a lovely posy by Anna-Victoria Amoafa-Sennie who has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism.

Today's event saw one of Kate's first patronages the National Portrait Gallery collaborating with one of her most recently chosen patronages Evelina London. Below, the Duchess closely followed by her assistant private secretary Natalie Barrows (we should soon hear news on Catherine Quinn's replacement) and her longtime Royal Protection Officer Emma Probert.

Kensington Palace said: "The National Portrait Gallery works in close collaboration with play specialists from Evelina London to take artists into the hospital to deliver workshops to children of all ages, along with their siblings and parents. Activities take place on the ward or in play rooms. The Hospital Programme runs in three other children’s hospitals in London – Great Ormond Street Hospital, Newham University Hospital and the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, working with nursing staff, hospital teachers and specialists. Over the past 15 years over 20,000 children (aged 0-18) have benefited from the creative workshops which include photography, animation, sculpture and textiles."

Kate was presented with "Rag Wreaths" created by a group of children she met including Savannah Wheeler-Wadison. She told the little girl she would put the pink one in Charlotte's room.

Savannah's ten-year-old brother Luke is a heart patient at Evelina and quickly asked to take a photo of Kate holding the wreath. She was more than happy to oblige and looked delighted to pose for the budding photographer.

Luke was thrilled with the results. Rebecca English reports he said he would "take it home and keep it forever".

I think you'll agree Luke did a fantastic job :)

More from the Mail Online:

'Luke's mother, Joanne Wheeler, 47, later explained that she discovered her son had a congenital heart condition in the womb and he was first operated on just five days after he was born. He still attends regular check-ups at Evelina and may require further surgery in the future 'This place saved my son's life, it's as simple as that,' she told Kate.

'We would do anything for the staff here. ' In fact Luke, from Rainham, Kent, has managed to raise more than £14,000 this year to donate towards the hospital's work by selling the rag wreaths he and his sister make, doing a sponsored swim, auctions and standing with collecting boxes at The Oval .

He said: 'We just really wanted to say thank you to her for coming an spending time here. She was really touched, I think. I told her that I had the same birthday as her son, George, and my sister is four, like Charlotte. She said Charlotte would love to have the pink wreath up in her room. It would be amazing if they did that.
'Not many people get to see a princess in real life and she is going to be the Queen one day. It was really exciting.' 

Kate joined a group of  young children receiving care at the hospital for a range of activities including illustration, photography and 3D set design.

The Telegraph reports:

The National Portrait Gallery gives each of their patients a free book, Playful Portraits, in an effort to encourage them to spend their time on the ward pursuing creative activities. 

She first sat down with artist Jessica Rosenfield, who was instructing the children.  Chatting with the artist, the Duchess said: "It’s wonderful to see what art therapy adds. To be able to paint, to draw, to be able to tell your story."

"Who is this here?" asked the Duchess as she pointed to a photo of six-year-old Kallum Stuart, who is being treated for kidney failure. "Are you all friends here?" she said as she looked round the table. "What a treat it is for me to meet you all today. What a treat! I am so pleased."

Kate enjoyed seeing the results of their efforts.

The children told Kate about making characters for their pop-up theatre.

Kate spoke to Clive and his dad to learn more about delivering workshops to children at their bedsides.

A video from the engagement.

The Duchess brought back her bespoke Dolce & Gabbana bouclé skirt suit for the engagement.

Kate first wore the ensemble almost one year ago for the Mentally Healthy Schools conference.

The jacket is very similar to the D&G Double-Breasted blazer shown below. It features a lapel collar, multicoloured pattern and snap button closure.

Kate accesorised with her Mappin & Webb Empress pendant and earrings.

And completed the look with her Gianvito Rossi Piper shoes. They are available at My Theresa.

Kate removed her engagement ring as she was visiting a hospital.

On Sunday evening, William and Kate will attend the BAFTA awards. All guests are being encouraged to wear sustainable clothing. It's been suggested a large number of attendees will opt to re-wear gowns from previous years. If Kate chooses a repeat, which one of her gowns would you like to see again? The stunning black velvet strapless McQueen she wore for the Sun Military Awards back in 2011 gets my vote.